The Hairdresser & Indoor Cricketer

"My name is Gwen and I am 50. I have 2 children, and both born by caesarean, and with the first one I had an epidural that, in itself, was very painful. I have always been an active sport person. I have played basketball, netball, swimming and currently indoor cricket.

I am a hair dresser by trade so the stooping over the basin and standing continually aggravated my lower back. I have suffered back pain for 25 to 30 years. I have been to physios, chiros , herbalists, naturopaths, osteopaths, spinoligists, deep muscle therapists, pediatrists, acupuncturists and doctors. X-rays did not show any problems, so the general diagnosis was tightness of my muscles. Most therapies only helped for a short period of time.

I decided to take up swimming as rehabilitation exercise, but felt a deep arching in my lower back and a lot more pain because of it. Deep muscle therapy was then suggested. I have since been to remedial massage, but because of climbing stairs, getting in and out of the car, getting out of bed and even to lay flat on my back, I still had great pain. It was eventually suggested that I visit Sharon (Clark, P&F Practitioner).

My first visit to Sharon was on the 25 Jan 2002 my problems I told her were from head to toe. My thumb, elbow, neck, middle back, lower back, knees, and feet, giving a pain rating of 7. A flexibility test showed very poor to negative degrees and she said it was not going to be a quick fix.

By April 12 my pain level had eased to 3. I had become more flexible and active with a lot less pain doing simple things. Getting in and out of a car, lifting up from a chair, getting out of a bed and just walking became pain free. My main hope was to play indoor cricket at the world masters in Melbourne in October. I was thrilled when I could, and even more we came home with the gold medal!

I had no problems with pain especially haven driven the trip to and from Melbourne. So, now in October, my pain level has reduced to one and I am more mobile and have little to no pain. Thank you Sharon".

Gwen Sturgeon, Hairdresser and Indoor Cricketer

Newcastle, Australia

P&F Therapist & Teacher: Sharon Clark